Burst pipes flood county courthouse

YOUNGSTOWN -- A water pipeline burst Tuesday and caused some flooding to a Mahoning County Courthouse courtroom.
Robert Rupeka, court administrator, said the pipe burst in a vacant third-floor space once occupied by the county prosecutor's office. Rupeka said the area had been closed off for renovations. The water accumulated in the area and began to spill downward.
Directly below the space is Judge Jack Durkin's courtroom. His staff noticed the water and notified courthouse maintenance workers. The water got into the jury room and staff offices and wet the carpeting.
The water continued downward to an area in the treasurer's office, which is below Judge Durkin's courtroom.
Rupeka said maintenance workers fixed the break and cleaned up the water. They brought in fans to begin drying the carpeting in the affected areas.
Rupeka said the cleanup would continue today and the courtroom should be ready for use next week. Judge Durkin is on vacation this week. There was no damage estimate available.